Up and about early enough the next morning – though it was hard given the amount of food consumed the night before (we’d had Haggis – which Mhairis father performed the address to in fine style). Went off for a walk around the hills surrounding Braemar – and I’ll just put a few pics up in no particular order.

I’m completely useless I freely admit at remembering place names (unless I write them down).. but the story behind the hole in the rock in this picture – is that one of the clan chiefs called a gathering to muster forces for an attack on some enemy.. and filled the hole with whiskey – which they all drank from. Twould be quite the quantity of uisce beatha.

Aberdeen airport has a really short runway. Really short. Still, ryanair got me there in one piece. There was snow on the roads as we flew in over Aberdeen – which was pretty much what I was expecting (and hoping for) from Scotland.

I feel slightly ashamed to admit that it’s my first trip to Scotland, but I’m quite sure it’ll not be the last – very scenic outdoorsy kinda country. I like it!

So, Mhairi and her father (Ian) and brother (Gavin) and his girlfriend (Jen) picked me up from the airport, and we drove to their cottage in Braemar (via stopping off for lunch)

Really really pretty drive up into Braemar.. saw the gates (and turrets) of Balmoral – which is the queens getaway when she’s up this way.

That evening there were songs sung and music played. Mhairis Aunt Katie is really incredible on the piano – can pick up any old song and play it. Also had musical Christmas crackers to add to the mixture.

For the first time since Matt & Helenes wedding 4 years ago the whole family was supposed to be together!. However, Liz & Tim had picked up some sort of bug on the flight over from the states… which meant various kids were vomiting from time to time.. thus we were almost but not quite complete for Christmas dinner!

Those two pics of Liz and Ciara, and Oliver and I. Oliver is 13 months and has just started walking about. I think he has a death wish, but besides that he’s perfectly normal.

It was really special to have the whole family around, I do miss these times.. I just wonder how long it’ll take to convince family & friends to all move out to NZ? 3 years or so I reckon… In fact residence points are fairly low at the moment so best to apply soon ;)

For the first time in 4 years the whole family (plus spouses and progeny) are back in the country. Liz & Tim (who I traveled in Vietnam with ) flew in on Saturday I think it was. We had a thoroughly enjoyable walk along the pier at Bray. The trip out was one I’d taken almost every day for 2 years while I was commuting from Shankill into town.. it’s a pretty nice train ride.

You can see Fiona will eventually become a fugitive from the law – clasped tightly in her right hand are quite a few stones! The sleeping babe is my latest god-daughter Ciara (whom I had not seen before)

I guess the things I know I’m missing in NZ is seeing my nephews and nieces grow up.. although I do try not to think about these things too much – I try to be where I am. At least as much as possible!! hehee, (was that profound? ;) nope, ahh well.. Did have an enjoyable evening with Chris + Irene + Orianna + Robin + Sophie&Oliver; (the twins I’d not seen). There’s a short video of Oliver learning to walk. Quite exictin’ stuff (to me)

Another day there was ice-skating, and then to the pub after for some quality pints of Guinness.. Mick and Ang (who flew over from the UK for a few days holiday) in this pic.

I think that’s one of the things that Dublin does do well.. a proper homey pub with a real trad band playing away in the corner.. that’s just great.

My friend Louise came over from Paris to say hello and have a bit of a long weekend around Dublin (and Limerick), and it was really great to see her again after – oh three years or so I guess? This pic of Declan and Louise at the front gate of trinity.

So I was cycling down to meet her (holding another bike) when something bad happened! Now I’ve cycled quite a few times with two bikes, but this time – I dunno how it happened really (well, the wheels touched ;) hehe, but I managed to completely buckle my front wheel (and get thrown off my bike in the process). Don’t worry, the bike is fine again … hehe, and there wasn’t any traffic (lucky), so I’m fine too (yay)

32 euro for a new wheel (and they forgot to put the covers for the ball bearings on.. will have to get that fixed on Monday) and a valuable lesson learned.. cycling with two bikes on busy streets with not too much room.. is a bad idea! :)

Had a fun time around town – checking out the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle. There’s an excellent exhibition on Albrecht Durer and his wood carvings at the moment – really worth checking out (and it’s free too!)

Party at my friend Emmas house – good to see Maeve and Andy again. Seems like they’ve been saving hard for a house.. it’s so impressive seeing friends hopping onto the property ladder!

And today my sister arrived in from Minneapolis with Tim (husband) Fiona and Ciara (my latest god daughter) – first time the whole family has been together in 4 years!

Oh – Eoin put some cool pics from bouldering at glendalough (and the rest of his other pictures are well worth checking out) – this next one is one of his – and links through to his website

Finally, I put a very short video (it’s the only one I have, but Marcel did ask!) of the belly dancing here. Unfortunately it’s of me – Gordo was way better!

Oh, and finally finally.. I thought this account of kayaking in Nepal was pretty awesome by my friend Clare (currently in Sweden)